Holiday Gathering Safety Tips During COVID-19

11/5/2020

With the holiday season fast approaching, it's important to know how celebrations can lead to giving and receiving COVID-19. Whether you're hosting a gathering or attending one, keep the following tips in mind.


If you're considering hosting a gathering

When in doubt, go outside.

  • If possible, try to host your event outdoors instead of indoors. 
  • If you can't have it outside, be sure to avoid crowded, fully enclosed, and poorly ventilated spaces.
  • Make sure guests can maintain safe social distancing at all times. Arrange seating options to allow for this.

Have a small group of local guests

  • Keep your guest list as small as possible to allow for social distancing and compliance with your state/local health and safety guidelines.
  • Traveling increases the spread of COVID-19 and your risk of catching it. Be aware of the COVID-19 levels in your community and the areas where your guests are coming from.

Know the latest guidelines and stick to them

  • Be sure that you and your guests are aware of the precautions in place to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
  • Have attendees practice safe behaviors, like social distancing, hand washing, and mask wearing (before, during, and after the event.)
  • Limit the number of people handling the food/utensils and provide single-use supplies when possible.
  • Encourage all guests to avoid contact with people outside of their homes 14 days prior to the event.

If you're considering attending a celebration

Stay away from indoor events

  • If you can't participate outdoors, avoid fully enclosed and poorly ventilated events.
  • If the event will be crowded and have a large number of guests, do not attend the event.

Plan for safety ahead of time

  • See if the event's host has safety precautions in place to promote safety.
  • Be sure to have masks and hand sanitizer ready to bring with you.
  • Follow safety guidelines and practice preventive measures. Especially 14 days before the event.

Be smart when you get there

  • Wear a mask, wash your hands, and avoid touching your face/eyes.
  • Avoid close contact with members outside of your household.


Key recommendations

If you or your household members have COVID-19/its symptoms or been exposed within 14 days of the event, do not attend or host the celebration!





* The following recommendations are based on the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.

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